A small café in Hue, Vietnam, has catapulted its unique salt coffee, or ca phe muoi, into a global trend. The concoction, which combines Vietnamese coffee with sweetened condensed milk and a topping of salted cream, was created in 2010 by café owners Ho Thi Thanh Huong and Tran Nguyen Huu Phong. Initially met with curiosity, the drink quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike. The salt in the coffee enhances its sweetness, much like salted caramel, creating a balanced and intriguing flavor profile. This innovative beverage has now spread across Vietnam and even reached international markets, with major chains like Starbucks introducing their own versions. Vietnamese coffee culture, known for its robusta beans and unique brewing methods, continues to intrigue global consumers. The rise of salt coffee is part of a broader trend of Vietnamese coffee drinks gaining traction, including egg coffee and coconut coffee. As interest grows, more Vietnamese cafes are opening worldwide, bringing these distinctive flavors to new audiences.
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